On Thursday, 11 July 2024, the Kent football community gathered at the Priestfield Stadium for the annual Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards sponsored by Bellway Kent for a celebratory and inspiring evening.

Hosted by Charlotte Richardson, the ceremony highlighted the roles that volunteers play in the Kent grassroots game, recognising their dedication, passion, and unwavering support that sustains football communities across the county. The ceremony spotlighted individuals and groups whose selfless efforts behind the scenes make a significant impact. The atmosphere was one of gratitude and celebration as the Kent football community came together to recognise the game's unsung heroes.

Mark Harrop, Sales Director at Bellway Kent said: "As well as delivering much-needed new homes across Kent, we are committed to supporting local communities and grassroots organisations within the county. These awards are vital to the Kent community to celebrate unsung heroes of our local communities and it was inspiring to see their efforts get the recognition they deserve. We are proud to be sponsors of this event for a second year and look forward to continuing our relationship with the Kent FA in the future."

During the ceremony, the local winners of the FA Grassroots Football Awards and the local winners of Kent-specific categories were presented with their awards.  

Our fantastic winners are:

The FA Awards

• Coach of the Year (Female Player Pathway) – Michelle Pluckrose, Hoo Vets/Hoo Youth FC
• Coach of the Year (Disability Player Pathway) – Daniel Ambler, Ashford United
• Coach of the Year (Male Player Pathway) – Andy Ginno, Weald Wolves FC
• Club of the Year – Anchorians FC
• League of the Year – East Kent Youth Football League 
• Match Official of the Year – Chris Bright

• Young Volunteer of the Year – Erin Jarvis-Baker
  - Highly commended award – Finn Davies 
  - Highly commended award – Rhiannon Letham 

• New Volunteer of the Year – Andy Furphy, Biggin Hill JFC
• Grounds Team of the Year – Robert Foy, AFC Minster
• Keeping Football Positive Award – Lorraine Humm, Maidstone United Raiders FC
• The Lioness Award – Tony Weeks, AFC Greencourt
• The Bobby Moore Award – Ant Tomlinson, Cranbrook Juniors FC

Kent FA Awards

• Colin Boswell Young Referee of The Year – Harrison Clark
• Digital Club of The Year, Sponsored by Sleeping Giant Media – Swanscombe Tigers FC
• Welfare Hero of The Year – Yvonne Elder
• Green Hero of The Year – Maidstone United Raiders FC
• Kent FA Pitches Cup – Cuxton 91 FC

Dedicated Service Awards

• John Lawrence
• Barrie Croucher

Darryl Haden, CEO of Kent FA, said, "Last night was a remarkable celebration of football excellence in Kent. The awardees have showcased extraordinary passion, determination and values that make grassroots football in Kent so special. Congratulations to all our fantastic award winners and everyone who received a nomination this year. We congratulate all the nominees and the award winners and look forward to another thrilling season."

We would also like to thank:

• Gillingham FC for their hospitality 
• Aford Awards who generously donated all the awards to the winners on the night
• DFDS who provided ferry crossing prizes to the award winners also

We are forever grateful for your support of the grassroots game. 

The Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards, sponsored by Bellway Kent, concluded with resounding applause and a promise of greater heights across the Kent game. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the Kent football community was palpable, setting a positive tone for the seasons ahead.